You are not hearing what the BDP-95 is capable of this way. You are hearing what the BDP-93's digital output is capable of, and what the Onkyo's analog section sounds like. Based on what I've heard from the 885, the analog output of the BDP-93 is at least equal to (or better than) the analog output of the 886 - and the BDP-95 is a solid step up from there. Gotta use the 7.1 analog output, though. Before you attempt to evaluate the BDP-95's analog section, which is what you paid extra for, gather up eight analog cables and connect the 7.1 analog output. The 7.1 input on the Onkyo should be an analog pass-through - that's how my 885 worked - so all you'll have to do is configure an input to use the 7.1 analog and you'll be good to go.


As KOYAAN points out, you need to engage direct or pure audio mode to avoid A/D/A conversion that will dilute the BDP-95's performance.


I'm not sure if the test tones work over digital outputs - haven't tried it in a while. I'll try to look at my BDP-95 later this morning to see if I can recall how the test tones work.

In both cases above, Audyssey should be a non-factor because you need to have the Onkyo set up to serve as an analog pre-amp only. That means no room correction, no bass management, no matrix surround processing, no distance adjustments. You could leave Audyssey engaged for other inputs and still use the BDP-95 via analog.

I confirmed it earlier today: the test tones only work with the analog outputs, not the digital. This makes sense, as the channel trim, distance, and bass management settings are meant to only apply to the analog outputs - the digital outputs will go to a surround receiver or processor that has its own settings, and you don't want customers to have to change all those settings when switching between analog and HDMI connections.

The manual includes the following note regarding the test tones on page 71:



This fits with my testing and with the way these settings are actually applied to outputs.

So let me see if I have the suggestions correct;

Use the HDMI for the video signal only from the Oppo 95 to the Onkyo 886. Run the 8 RCA cables fom the analog section of the 95 (LF, LR, C, SR, SL, SBL, SBR and SUB) for ALL of the audio. Including not only 2 channel stereo CDs, but also for Dolby HD and DTS MA?

And this is accomplished in the menu settings of the Onkyo to ignore all audio from the HDMI signal and only accept the 8 analogs signals?

I didnt think I was TOO much of a newbie in this area but I thought the HDMI was the way to go for the hi-def audio signal as well as the hi-def video that was afforded with ly-Rays.

That is correct. This is the only way to hear what you paid an extra $500 for when you bought the BDP-95.


Right. You can set the BDP-95 to output video only via the HDMI output, but it isn't a necessary step. If setting up an input for the 7.1 analog input isn't clear to you from the Onkyo setup menus or manual, check Outlaw's 886 guide. Pages 18 through 20 should cover it, particularly the top of page 20.


HDMI is usually the recommended solution, but there are exceptions. One is when the source has a better analog section than the receiver or processor, as is the case with a player like the BDP-95. The only way to hear that analog section is to use analog output from the player.

Well, I hooked up all 8 RCA cables for the analog outs from the 95 to the 886. I still have the HDMI connected as well for the video.

On the 886 I had the multi channel audio in set to Aux 1 and thats what I was feeding the audio from the 95 to. All good.

Then I tried to change the multi channel input to the SAT input on the 886 (which is what I am feeding the HDMI to (HDMI input #3). I get video, but no sound.

Ive spent over an hour so far today trying to trouble shoot why I cannot get audio while watching a DVD in the 95. I will try some more tomorrow; I am sure I am mising something really basic.....

I'll have to get back into the manuals this evening to see if I can spot what might be tripping you up.

Also, I still could not get the test tones to go on.

Frustrating.

If you aren't getting test tones, then I suspect you're still not getting the multichannel analog signal selected at the Onkyo. Once you set "Test Tones" to "On" in the player's menu, the test tones play from each speaker as you select it - but only at the analog output.

It sounds like you have the connections done right now - HDMI1 output from the BDP-95 to HDMI3 input on the 886, multichannel analog output to the multichannel analog input. Let's assume you want to use SAT for the BDP-95. The "Input/Output Assign" menu has everything you need on the Onkyo. First, "HDMI Input" should have "CBL/SAT" set to HDMI3. Second, "Digital Audio Input" should have "CBL/SAT" set to "---" so it doesn't use the HDMI input for audio. Third, "Analog Audio Input" should have "Multich" set to "CBL/SAT". I think you can also select the input you want to use with multichannel analog and press the "AUDIO SEL" button several times to toggle to the multichannel analog input.

I will double check your suggestions tomorrow Gonk, thanks.

I also noticed Oppo has a new manual which I glanced at earlier today. But I am having a hard time locating the Outlaw 886 manual on the website. I thought I had downloaded it a while ago but cant seem to find it. ANyone have a link?

Try this link to the 886.